By: Julie Albin

LOCATION

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SPECIALIZING IN

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VISIT

There’s no sugar coating it — Graton Ridge Cellars is for a quick stop. It’s compact and a little understaffed during busy days, and the wines aren’t ones you’ll be bringing back to your friends. But its location is in the center of several other Pinot Noir producers — this is the stop you make when you’re on a tight schedule and want to add one more to the list.

The flight will cost you $10 and you’ll be able to try five wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. Their Reserve Pinot Noir is a little bit more palatable. Their apple dessert is sweet and linear in character, and they do have you taste it with blue cheese, which helps. These wines aren’t the top-of-the-line, but they’re okay.

This won’t be an intimate or educational experience. The picnic table is available through reservation for club members, and there’s a bocce ball court open to the public. All in all, this is a great quick stop, just don’t expect more than that.

INSIDE INFO: Call ahead to see if anyone has reserved the picnic area. If there’s space available, grab some cheese and cured meats, load your pup into the car and head over for a tasting.

WHAT TO SKIP: Try to avoid the Saturday afternoon rush or you might end up waiting a long time for your wine pours.